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Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge Adventure and Wildlife at 74°N

8 or 10 days

Spend a week at this unique Canadian Arctic Wilderness Lodge and world-class beluga whale observation site. Situated 500 miles north of the Arctic Circle, the lodge offers fully-guided opportunities for hiking, kayaking and exploring the Arctic tundra in all-terrain vehicles (ATVs).

Observe muskox, polar bears plus more wildlife in their natural habitat while enjoying comfortable accommodations and superb food, all accessible within a short flight from Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to Somerset Island in Nunavut, Canada.

DAY 1 —
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Enjoy an included night in Yellowknife and meeting your fellow travelers.

Day 2 —
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

We’ll meet early in the morning to board our private chartered plane to fl y the 1,000 miles (1,500 km) to the Arctic Watch lodge. During the four and a half hour fl ight, we’ll pass over the treeline to the barrens, refueling in the community of Cambridge Bay, and landing in the afternoon on a private airstrip on Somerset Island.

Day 3 —
Arctic Watch Lodge, Somerset Island, Nunavut

A typical first morning at the lodge may include receiving a hands-on introduction to driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are easy and fun to drive. Later, we may take a short hike to the Cunningham River estuary to watch beluga whales frolic in the shallow water only a few yards off shore, followed by a wonderful buffet lunch.

Day 4 —
Arctic Watch Lodge

Today we may attempt to kayak in Cunningham Inlet. All equipment and basic instructions are provided. Paddle among icebergs, looking out for ring and bearded seals as well as beluga whales. Sightings of sea birds, including Arctic terns and eider ducks, can be expected. After a lunch served along the shoreline, we’ll take a short hike to explore a local canyon aptly named “Kayak Falls.” From there we’ll have stunning views of the Northwest Passage and the opportunity to see polar bears.

Day 5 —
Arctic Watch Lodge

Following breakfast, we’ll depart for a trip to Flatrock Falls, crossing the Cunningham River delta. There, you’ll have the option of hiking or travelling by Mercedes Unimog a (multi-purpose four-wheel drive truck). We’ll visit the Somerset Island canyons, formed as the result of shifting fault lines. Their walls, mostly vertical, vary from 200 to 1,000 feet (up to 305 meters).

Day 6 —
Arctic Watch Lodge

The first leg of today’s journey will be by Mercedes Unimog truck. We’ll get to the Arctic Watch raft and kayak launch on the Cunningham River, 20 km from the lodge. Typically, the final six kilometers require a hike through the Badlands, passing the skeletal remains of two bowhead whales dated from eight thousand years ago. The voyage includes encounters with muskox, snow geese, jaegers, Arctic foxes, sandpipers and rough-legged hawks.

Day 7 —
Departure Arctic Watch Lodge

Today, you’ll bid a fond farewell to the lodge team and the High Arctic. You may have time to take advantage of one last activity before we depart. In the late afternoon, the plane will arrive for the return flight back to Yellowknife. Upon arrival in Yellowknife you will be transferred to your included hotel.

Day 8 —
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Today you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some more time in the Yellowknife area.

Day 1 —
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Enjoy an included night in Yellowknife and meeting your fellow travelers.

Day 2 —
Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

A typical first morning at the lodge may include receiving a hands-on introduction to driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are easy and fun to drive. Later, we may take a short hike to the Cunningham River estuary to watch beluga whales frolic in the shallow water only a few yards off shore

Day 3 —
Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

After a hot breakfast, a typical first morning at the lodge may include receiving a hands-on introduction to driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are easy and fun to drive. Later, we may take a short hike to the Cunningham River estuary to spot beluga whales frolicking in the shallow water only a few yards offshore.

Day 4 —
Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Today, test your mettle by completing North America’s most northerly marathon, or cheer on the runners and revel in the excitement of the race. The terrain features 30.6 miles (50 km) of sandstone pebble beaches and red soil valleys, along the shores of the Northwest Passage. It’s possible to see belugas, musk ox, and polar bears while following the rough marked trail.

DAY 5 —
Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Following breakfast, we’ll depart for a trip to Flatrock Falls, crossing the Cunningham River delta. There, you’ll have the option of hiking or traveling by Mercedes Unimog a (multi-purpose four-wheel drive truck). We’ll visit the Somerset Island canyons, formed as the result of shifting fault lines.

DAY 6 —
Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Today’s full-day rafting adventure will begin after breakfast with a Mercedes Unimog truck ride to the Arctic Watch raft launch on the Cunningham River, 12.5 miles (20 km) from the lodge. Opt to hike the final four miles (6 km) through the Badlands, passing the skeletal remains of two bowhead whales dated from eight thousand years ago.

DAY 7 —
Depart Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Today, you’ll bid a fond goodbye to the lodge team and the High Arctic. You may have time to take advantage of one last activity before we depart.

DAY 8 —
Depart Yellowknife

After breakfast and boot return, you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some more time in the Yellowknife area.

Day 1 —
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Enjoy an included night in Yellowknife and meeting your fellow travelers.

Day 2 —
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

We’ll meet early in the morning to board our private chartered plane to fly the 1,000 miles (1,500 km) to the Arctic Watch lodge.

Day 3 —
Arctic Watch Lodge, Summerset Island

A typical first morning at the lodge may include receiving a hands-on introduction to driving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are easy and fun to drive. Later, we may take a short hike to the Cunningham River estuary to watch beluga whales frolic in the shallow water only a few yards offshore.

Day 4 —
Arctic Watch Lodge

Today we travel by ATV, crossing the Cunningham River delta, and driving along the Muskox Ridge Trail, which provides a scenic overview of the entire area. It’s very likely that we’ll see muskox and pass by an impressive Arctic fox den where you may have the opportunity to watch fox cubs at play.

Day 5 —
Arctic Watch Lodge

Today we may attempt to kayak in Cunningham Inlet. All equipment and basic instructions are provided. Paddle among icebergs, looking out for ring and bearded seals as well as beluga whales.

Day 6 —
Arctic Watch Lodge

Today we’ll depart for a trip to Flatrock Falls, crossing the Cunningham River delta. There, you’ll have the option of hiking or travelling by Mercedes Unimog a (multi-purpose four-wheel drive truck). We’ll visit the Somerset Island canyons, formed as the result of shifting fault lines.

Day 7 —
Arctic Watch Lodge

Today we’ll set out on ATVs to Cape Anne where we’ll visit five Thule sites all along the coast and look for polar bears. The Thule culture were bowhead whale hunters, ancestors of today’s modern Inuit.

Day 8 —
Arctic Watch Lodge

The first leg of today’s journey will be by Mercedes Unimog truck. We’ll get to the Arctic Watch raft and kayak launch on the Cunningham River, 20 km from the lodge.

Day 9 —
Depart for Yellowkife

Today, you’ll bid a fond farewell to the lodge team and the High Arctic. You may have time to take advantage of one last activity before we depart. In the late afternoon, the plane will arrive for the return flight back to Yellowknife

Day 10 —
Yellowknife

Today you can make your way home at your leisure or spend some more time in the Yellowknife area.

All-terrain vehicle

Included Activity at Arctic Watch

A great way to better explore the terrain of Somerset Island is by all-terrain vehicle. Guests receive a hands-on introduction to driving ATVs, which are easy and fun to operate. Helmets are provided. (only available at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge)

Included Activity at Arctic Watch Lodge

Fishing for Arctic char at the top of the world is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guests are welcome to try their hand at "catch and release" conservation fishing using the equipment and gear provided. Or, bring your preferred gear and fly fish beautiful Innukshuk Lake. This activity is only available on the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge land program.

The program is an active photography adventure covering the varied landscapes of the region, comprised of glacier-carved cliff sides, canyons, riverbeds, waterfalls, and wide variety of flora. Guests will learn tips and techniques for tracking and photographng unique arctic wildlife, all while exploring the diverse sights of Summerset Island and Cunningham Valley under 24-hour sunlight and evening “arctic golden light.”

Guests may also have opportunities to photograph polar bears, beluga whales, arctic hare and fox. Natural wildlife habitats, which have been undisturbed for hundreds of years, will likewise be discovered in the program.

Daily workshops cater to all levels of photographers and are geared to nature and landscape photographers seeking immersive instruction and photo assignments in the field, talks on techniques, and edit-and-critique sessions.

About Nansen Weber

Nansen Weber has grown up in the arctic, spending every summer exploring its landscapes and has studied the behaviors of arctic wolves, caribou, herds of musk oxen, polar bears, curious arctic foxes and playful belugas - he’s photographed it all. He is Arctic Watch’s professional wildlife photographer. When not busy leading a private photography trip, or working with film crews, Nansen is a lead guide and makes sure guests capture picture-perfect memories of Arctic Watch on camera. Nansen knows arctic animals and environments - don’t be shy to ask him questions! Spending many years at Arctic Watch has helped him master its unique surroundings, untamed wildlife and environment.

When he’s not photographing in the Arctic, Nansen devotes his time to photographic projects across the globe - recently with the National Geographic Society. Read some of his polar wildlife photography tips.

Beechey Island Excursion (optional)

Departing Arctic Watch on a De Haviland twin otter, you'll fly across the Northwest Passage, for the 40 minute flight to Beechey Island. During the flight we'll look out for narwhal, bowhead whales, beluga whales, seals and polar bears. Once on Beechey Island, we'll pay our respects at the graves, visit the storage depot, have a picnic lunch, and explore the island. Stunning ice formations, untamed landscapes, and one of the Arctic's most historical places are all part of this incredible day trip.

Visit one of the most significant places in the history of Canadian Arctic exploration and a Canadian National historical site. During the Franklin Expedition of 1845-46, two of Franklin’s ships, the HMS Erebus and HMS Terror anchored here with perilous results. Three of his crew died and are buried at a marked grave site. A supply depot, "Northumberland House" also remains, nearly 170 years later. In September of 2014, the HMS Erebus, was found in the ocean south of Beechey Island. The mystery of what happened to the Franklin expedition remains

$895 USD per person (Minimum 8 guests, Maximum 12)

Included Activity

Hiking is a great way to appreciate the immense windswept landscapes of the Arctic. The tundra comes alive during the brief Arctic summer, with bursts of color from the shrubs and plants that eke out a living in this polar environment. You’ll find each hike is different - exploring shorelines or landscapes, often on the lookout for wildlife. Hiking participation is optional and your Expedition Team will advise you of what you can expect prior to each excursion.

Kayaking at Arctic Watch Lodge

Included Activity

Led by experienced kayak guides, guests will paddle among icebergs, on the watch for ring and bearded seals and beluga whales. Sightings of sea birds, including Arctic terns and eider ducks, can be expected. All equipment and basic instructions are provided.

River Rafting at Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge

Included Activity at Arctic Watch Lodge

Typically lasting two to three hours, guests have the choice of paddling their own kayaks or traveling by raft during the river excursion. The Cunningham River is swift-flowing, crystal-clear water with no difficult sections or rapids. Guests are given a hands-on introduction to rafting prior to departing, and no previous experience is required. This activity is only available on the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge.

Expedition Facts

The most northerly fly-in lodge in the world

Constructed and opened in 1992, the Arctic Watch Wilderness Lodge is located in Cunningham Inlet, on Somerset island, in Nunavut, Canada’s largest and newest territory, which formally came into being in 1999.

Photography Adventure at Arctic Watch

Internationally recognized as one of the top Arctic wildlife locations on earth, Arctic Watch offers photographic programs for both amateur and professional photographers.